Today is one of our favourite holidays – World Smile Day!

Celebrated on the first Friday in October, World Smile Day is a day about laughter, spreading happiness and random acts of kindness. As your resident smile experts, we wanted to observe the day by sharing some interesting facts about everyone’s favourite expression.

Here are our top five:

1. Smiling makes you happier

Studies have shown a good grin can actually cheer you up when you’re feeling down. Smiling increases mood-enhancing hormones while decreasing common stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Some research indicates that smiling might also help you recover more quickly when you’re sick and may even help you live longer.

2. Smiling changes the way you’re perceived

Being confident in your smile can boost your self-esteem, helping you feel good about yourself and the way you look. And that confidence pays off – a smiling, happy face changes the way you’re perceived, making you appear more approachable, attractive and friendly to strangers. Some research has indicated that subtle differences in facial expressions can non-verbally reveal parts of your personality!

3. Smiling relieves stress

There’s research that indicates smiling can be a stress-reliever. A sincere and authentic smile can improve cardiovascular activity, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure and allowing you to recover more quickly from stressful events. As stress can lead to severe health problems like heart disease, mental health struggles and stroke, this is a big benefit.  

4. Smiling is a cross-culture expression

While the exact meaning of smiling varies from culture to culture (in some places, smiling too much can be seen as dishonest or unwelcoming), a smile is still recognized the world over in mostly positive ways. Smiling isn’t learned behaviour, either – fetal scans show that babies start smiling in the womb before they’re even born!

5. Your smile can stay bright and healthy with regular dental check ups

With all these fun facts in mind, the importance of keeping your smile bright and healthy is clear. The best way to protect your mouth against tooth decay, cavities or gum disease is through a comprehensive oral care routine that involves brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as regular visits to your dentist every six months. These check-ups and cleanings are key to catching any problems before they turn into big issues and will keep you smiling all throughout the stages of your life.  

Booking an appointment is easy, too – just use the orange Book Online button to contact us today.